Cleaning 101: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Five common household cleaning mistakes you’re probably making—and how to fix them.

Even if you think you’re on your “A” game when it comes to household cleaning, you might be guilty of committing a few of these everyday errors. But fear not—it’s easy to right your wrongs!

Cleaning Mistake No. 1: Using a feather duster.

Just because feather dusters are featured prominently on Downton Abbey doesn’t make them an adequate cleaning tool by today’s standards. We now know feather dusters merely spread dust particles instead of picking them up. So next time you tackle window sills, bookshelves and ceiling fans, use a slightly damp—and powerfully dust-trapping—microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Mistake No. 2: Not sanitizing your sponges.

Many of us are guilty of this cleaning crime: using those hardworking sponges in our sinks until they start to emit nasty odors and crumble apart. (Ewww.) Scotch-Brite™ sponges can be sterilized regularly by running them through the dishwasher on the top rack.

When it comes to maximizing your laundry efficiency, remember the mantra “less is more.” Stop filling your detergent dispenser to the brim and adding fabric softener with reckless abandon. Instead, always abide by your washing machine manufacturer’s recommendations when measuring out detergent and fabric softener—chances are you’re going to be surprised by how little is recommended. Or, consider foregoing fabric softener altogether and replacing it with vinegar. Simply pour ¼ cup of vinegar in your machine’s fabric softener dispenser for an inexpensive way to soften fabrics and neutralize odors.

If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to run it every time you cram it with food, or bacteria (and odors) will fester. Then every few days, show your disposal some love by letting it chomp on ice cubes, citrus peels and a sprinkle of baking soda to keep it clean and fresh.

Cleaning Mistake No. 5: Forgetting to replace your air filters.

Changing your air filter on a regular basis can help improve your air quality and maintaining the performance of your heating and cooling system. Filtrete™ Smart Air Filters are outfitted with a sensor that monitors the life of your filter and alerts you via the mobile Filtrete™ Smart App when it’s time to make a change. Standard replacement is every three months, but consider replacing your filter even more frequently if you have pets, are remodeling, live with a smoker or have a fan that runs continuously.

Refresh your home’s scent with the Filtrete™ Whole House Air Freshener